Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fierce or destructive attack: A violent, forceful, and often sudden assault, either physical or metaphorical.
   • An overwhelming quantity or barrage: A large, rapid, and continuous amount of something (e.g., words, criticism, questions) directed at someone or something.

Usage

• As a subject: "The onslaught was relentless."
• As an object: "The town could not withstand the onslaught."
• Commonly follows prepositions: "under onslaught," "against the onslaught," "an onslaught of [something]."

Examples

• Physical/Military Attack:
  • The castle walls crumbled under the enemy's onslaught.
  • The general prepared his troops for the coming onslaught.
• Metaphorical/Non-physical Attack:
  • The company faced an onslaught of negative publicity.
  • She was unprepared for the onslaught of questions from the reporters.

Advanced Usage

• "to bear the brunt of an onslaught": To withstand the main force or impact of an attack.
  • The infantry bore the brunt of the enemy onslaught.
• "to launch/mount an onslaught": To begin or initiate a fierce attack.
  • The politician launched a verbal onslaught against his opponent's policies.

Variants and Related Words

• Assault (n): A violent physical or verbal attack.
• Barrage (n): A concentrated outpouring, as of questions or projectiles.
• Bombardment (n): A continuous attack with bombs, shells, or information.
• Onslaught has no direct verb form. The related action is "to attack" or "to assault."

Synonyms

• Attack: An act of aggressive action.
• Charge: A forceful rush or attack.
• Offensive: A concerted military or aggressive campaign.
• Blitz: A sudden, intense attack.
• Deluge: A great flood or overwhelming amount.

Antonyms

• Defense: The action of defending from attack.
• Retreat: Withdrawal from a position or attack.
• Respite: A short period of rest or relief.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Under onslaught": Being subjected to a continuous and fierce attack.
  • The small nation was under constant onslaught from its more powerful neighbor.
• "Weather the onslaught": To survive or endure a difficult attack or period.
  • Our servers managed to weather the onslaught of users on launch day.

Noun

1. the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)
   • a barrage of questions
   • a bombardment of mail complaining about his mistake
2. (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
   • the attack began at dawn
3. a sudden and severe onset of trouble